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Following Ukraine’s Epic Airbase Strikes, Russia Reports 162 Drones Intercepted in Overnight Assault

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Maryna_kulakova
Maryna Kulakova
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Following Ukraine’s Epic Airbase Strikes, Russia Reports 162 Drones Intercepted in Overnight Assault
A view of a Vampire BC drone used by the 59th Brigade during tests before deployment to the frontline in Dnipro, Ukraine on May 21, 2025. Photo for illustrative purposes. (Source: Getty Images)

Russia claims its air defenses intercepted 162 drones overnight in what officials describe as a large-scale aerial assault across eight regions and temporarily occupied Crimea.

The Russian Ministry of Defense, along with regional authorities and local Telegram channels, reported the incident, saying it began late on June 1 and continued into the early hours of June 2.

The highest number of drones—57—was reportedly shot down over Kursk region, followed by 31 over Belgorod, 27 over Lipetsk, 16 over Voronezh, 11 each over Bryansk and Ryazan, six over Oryol, and one over Tambov. Two additional drones were intercepted over temporarily occupied Crimea.

According to officials, air defense activity in Kursk caused damage to residential buildings and several other structures. In Voronezh, a high-voltage line along the M-4 “Don” highway was severed, and windows and vehicles were damaged, regional governor Aleksandr Gusev said.

The Astra news outlet reported that residents in the area also mentioned a strike on the Borisoglebsk military airbase.

In Lipetsk, governor Igor Artamonov confirmed one injury and glass damage to two homes. Meanwhile, over 10 explosions were heard above the city of Ryazan, according to the Telegram channel SHOT. Local authorities said vehicles and windows in several residential buildings were damaged there as well.

Previously, The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has confirmed it conducted operation “Spider Web,” targeting Russian strategic aviation. As a result, 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers were damaged or destroyed in strikes on the Olenya, Belaya, Dyagilevo, and Ivanovo airfields.

The operation had been more than 18 months in the making and involved a complex deception campaign deep inside Russia, according to Ukrainian outlet Hromadske, citing sources in the SBU.

The operation was reportedly overseen by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and carried out by the SBU under the leadership of Vasyl Malyuk.

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